Local teen takes top prize

Thursday

Oct 3, 2013 at 10:54 AM

Daily News Staff

Emma Morris, Etna High School senior, was chosen to be part of the 2014 National Beef Ambassador Team at the annual National Beef Ambassador competition, stated a press release. Other team members included Tori Summey, of Arizona; Sierra Jepsen, of Ohio; Rachael Wolters, of Tennessee; and Justana Von Tate, of Texas.The event took place in Springdale, Ark., on Sept. 27-28 and was funded in part by the Beef Checkoff.Twenty-two senior contestants, ages 17‐21, were judged in the areas of issues response, consumer promotion, media interview technique and education and outreach strategy at the event.Contestants from throughout the country vied for a place on the elite team of agriculture advocates and the $5,000 in cash prizes, sponsored exclusively by Farm Credit. Additionally, five educational scholarships totaling $5,000 were given by the American National Cattle Women Foundation, Inc. and Monsanto. This year's contest also hosted a junior competition for youth beef industry advocates ages 12‐16. Twelve contestants vied for cash prizes, competing in three judged categories: consumer promotion, issues response and media interview technique.The first place winner was Katelin Spradley, of New Mexico. The second place winner was Madison Martin, of Tennessee, and the third place winner was Phillip Saunders, of Virginia. They all took home checks sponsored exclusively by Farm Credit for their top scores. While preparing for this national beef promotion and education competition, youth across the nation learned about beef and the beef industry with support from state CattleWomen and Cattlemen's associations and state beef councils. The preparation highlights industry issues of current consumer interest. The winners of the state competitions compete at the national level where they receive additional training. After the event, the youth ambassadors speak on industry issues and misconceptions. They also educate their peers and meal‐time decision makers about safety, cattle care and beef nutrition during consumer events, online and in the classroom. Visit www.nationalbeefambassador.org or www.ancw.org for more information.